Intercalation as an approach to the activated carbon preparation from Ukrainian anthracites Original Research Article

Recently developed approach to the activated anthracites preparation combining a chemical pre-treatment and a physical activation was applied to Ukrainian anthracites (Cdaf 92–95%). Anthracites were pre-treated under intercalation-like conditions either with HClO4 or with HNO3 vapours. Chemically pre-treated samples were afterwards submitted to physical activation either with H2O or CO2 at 850 °C for 1–8 h. The influence of the pre-treatment conditions was analysed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XRD, elemental analysis and gas adsorption techniques. Under the experimental conditions investigated, the optimum conditions for producing of activated carbons from chemically modified anthracites were identified. Chemical pre-treatment with nitric acid of the low rank anthracite of Cdaf 92% followed by its activation with steam for 2 h at 850 °C looks like to be the best way for activated anthracites preparation. By abovementioned approach the high microporous activated carbon of 0.7 cm3/g and extended surface area of 1600 m2/g was obtained from Ukrainian anthracite.